A ton of gadgets are collected for repurposing via tech amnesty

In an effort to decrease electronic waste and give reconditioned equipment to people in need, a technology amnesty has gathered an incredible 1.1 tons of unwanted devices. Run by the nonprofit DonateIT and Somerset Council’s FIXY project, the effort emphasizes the value of reusing technology instead of throwing it away. 153 phones, 113 laptops, 60 tablets, 20 PC towers, and more than 200 kg of cables and chargers were donated during the charity’s most recent event at Frome Town Hall. Simon Barfoot, the creator of DonateIT, expressed his amazement at the reaction and mentioned that an additional vehicle was required to transport the contributions for recycling or reuse.

“There were over 400 devices just sitting in drawers, cupboards and attics but they all have value in the community,” said Barfoot. “People are desperate for communication, connectivity and digital inclusion so it is an absolute godsend to get these through the data-wiping and refurb process and back into the hands of those who need them” .  The project contributes significantly to the UK’s circular economy in addition to promoting digital inclusion.  “Smartphones contain around 40 rare earth metals and minerals – some with incredibly strange names,” added Mr Barfoot.  “We have solutions for everything.”Copper is purified and reintroduced into the world copper market, while gold-bearing devices are sent to the Royal Mint in Wales to be made into jewelry and sold overseas. “If we can’t reuse something, it gets recycled so the environment benefits too.”